Marrying The Imperial Elder Chapter 36

Leaving Zhen Yiyun to dwell on her own concerns, Zhen Tingyun had by then arrived at the entrance to the main courtyard.

Truth be told, she hadn’t come to ask for anything. She disliked Madam Pei’s blatant favoritism, but she wasn’t petty enough to begrudge her over it.

Madam Pei, however, found it rather strange that her younger daughter had come at this hour. Pulling on an outer robe again, she emerged from the inner room with a smile. “What brings you here so late…”

Noticing that her daughter wasn’t even carrying a hand warmer and seemed slightly chilled, she took Zhen Tingyun’s hands into her own to warm them, asking gently, “Is something important?”

Zhen Tingyun spoke without ceremony. “I heard Eldest Sister say she’s attending the Little County Princess’s poetry society tea gathering tomorrow.”

Madam Pei’s expression became a little awkward upon hearing this, though she still comforted her daughter gently. “Aren’t you preparing for the Women’s Academy entrance examination? There’s no need to concern yourself with things like this. Once you’re admitted and a little older, plenty of people will invite you to poetry societies and tea gatherings.”

As she spoke, she patted the back of Zhen Tingyun’s hand with a smile. “There’s no need to rush.”

Zhen Tingyun nodded reasonably. “Mother is right. That’s what I was thinking as well. So I wanted to ask you about that estate outside the city you mentioned before, the one with the horse-racing grounds. May I go there tomorrow? I’d only stay for a few days, relax for a while, ride horses, and practice riding and archery. That way I’ll have greater confidence when it’s time to take the Women’s Academy examination.”

Under ordinary circumstances, Madam Pei would have needed to think carefully. The estate had already been entrusted to Zhen Yiyun’s management. Although it hadn’t officially been given to her, it was essentially intended as part of her future dowry. It wouldn’t really be appropriate to let the younger daughter visit it too often. But tomorrow Zhen Yiyun would be attending the Little County Princess’s gathering, while her younger daughter could not accompany her. If she simply left the girl at home to bury herself in her books as usual, Madam Pei couldn’t help feeling somewhat guilty.

So after only a brief pause, she nodded readily. “That sounds fine. You’ve been cooped up at home studying every day, and even I think it looks exhausting. You should go out for a change of scenery and lift your spirits. It wouldn’t do to stay shut indoors all the time. Later I’ll have someone prepare the carriage. You can leave either in the morning or around noon.”

Zhen Tingyun answered crisply. After thinking for a moment, she added, “I’ve noticed Grandmother has seemed rather bored staying at home lately as well. Why don’t we invite Grandmother to come with me? She could stay at the estate for a few days too, just to relax.”

At the mention of Old Lady Zhen, the smile on Madam Pei’s face faded slightly.

But Father Zhen, listening from behind the screen, was greatly pleased. Feeling that his daughter was indeed filial, he immediately called out, “That’s an excellent idea! It’s a pity I still have to attend court tomorrow. Otherwise, I could have accompanied you both.”

Then he turned to Madam Pei. “The weather should be nice tomorrow, so I’ll ride my horse instead. My carriage can be left for Mother and Ting Jie’er. The mornings are still a bit chilly now. Make sure the servants prepare the carriage properly and lay down thicker cushions. We can’t have Mother and Ting Jie’er suffering from the journey.”

Madam Pei hesitated. “But we only have two carriages. I had planned that after my husband left for work, the larger carriage would be available for Yi Jie’er, while the smaller one would be for Ting Jie’er…”

Father Zhen replied casually, “Yi Jie’er is only going out for leisure, and she’ll be traveling alone. There’s no need for such a large carriage. Mother and Ting Jie’er, on the other hand, one elderly and one young, should ride in something steadier so we can have peace of mind.”

Madam Pei sighed, looking somewhat troubled. “I’m just worried Yi Jie’er will embarrass herself in front of the Little County Princess and the others.”

As parents, they naturally wanted to give their children the very best, at the very least, they didn’t want them to lose face.

“Our family’s circumstances aren’t exactly a secret. Do you think the Little County Princess doesn’t know? Since she invited Yi Jie’er with sincere intentions, she certainly won’t fuss over something as trivial as what carriage she arrives in.” Father Zhen wasn’t nearly as meticulous as Madam Pei. He spoke casually, saying offhandedly, “If you ask me, buying Yi Jie’er new jewelry and clothes for the occasion was already more than thoughtful enough. There’s really no need to worry over something as insignificant as the carriage.”

At the mention of the new jewelry and clothes, Madam Pei couldn’t help feeling a little guilty. Her gaze instinctively drifted toward Zhen Tingyun. Although she firmly believed her actions had been justified, for some reason she still felt a twinge of shame when facing her younger daughter.

Only after seeing that Zhen Tingyun’s expression remained perfectly unchanged did Madam Pei finally relax somewhat. She quickly brushed the subject aside. “Very well. I suppose I was overthinking it. We’ll do as you say.”

Once they had sent their daughter away, Madam Pei immediately turned to Father Zhen. “Why do you always say everything out loud? If Tingyun finds out I only bought her sister new jewelry and clothes, won’t she feel hurt?”

Father Zhen looked utterly baffled. “Even if I hadn’t said anything, do you really think Tingyun wouldn’t have known?”

Madam Pei fell silent for a moment before saying, “…There’s simply no getting through to you.”

Father Zhen snorted. “Seems to me I’m the one who can’t get through to you.”

Annoyed, he simply pulled the quilt over himself and lay down.

Madam Pei sighed again. In the end, she had no choice but to go over and speak softly with him for quite a while before finally coaxing him back into a better mood.

***

Leaving home to stay at the country estate for a few days, taking Old Lady Zhen along to relax, and practicing horseback riding and archery, that was what truly counted as something worthwhile. Those were the genuine benefits Zhen Tingyun had wanted all along.

After leaving the main courtyard, she found herself unusually cheerful. Her steps grew noticeably lighter as she headed toward Old Lady Zhen’s courtyard, intending to tell her the good news.

At such a late hour, Old Lady Zhen had already been preparing to retire for the night. Seeing her granddaughter suddenly appear, she assumed something serious had happened and was thoroughly startled.

Fortunately, Zhen Tingyun got straight to the point and immediately explained everything.

Old Lady Zhen was overjoyed upon hearing it. “That’s right! We’ve already been in the capital for several months now. It’s about time we went out for a bit.”

Truthfully, this alone showed how poor the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law really was, and how quietly Old Lady Zhen had been suffering.

If a daughter-in-law sincerely honored and cared for her husband’s mother, then the mother-in-law would naturally receive genuine warmth and thoughtful care. But Madam Pei’s version of filial piety was only skin deep. She provided fine clothes and good food, treated the old lady almost like a Buddha statue placed respectfully in a courtyard, and every few days brought her husband and children over to pay their respects. On the surface, there was nothing wrong with it. No one could point to any actual fault.

Yet it left Old Lady Zhen feeling unbearably stifled.

After all, she had grown up in the countryside. Life there had been hard, but it had also been free. There were always relatives and neighbors dropping by to chat, making each day lively in its own way.

But now?

Having come to the capital, this old country woman understood nothing of city life. She couldn’t manage the complicated household affairs, nor did she know how to socialize or visit other families. The only thing she could do was shut the courtyard gates and remain inside.

Father Zhen was indeed a filial son and genuinely wished to care for his mother, but official duties kept him busy. On ordinary days, all he could manage was to steal the occasional moment to visit and chat with her.

The grandchildren had all grown up as well.

Zhen Yiyun attended the Women’s Academy.

Zhen Tingyun was preparing for the Women’s Academy examinations.

Zhen Hengzhe had his own studies.

Everyone had their own affairs to occupy them.

Only Old Lady Zhen remained alone in her courtyard, with no one but Liushun and Bazhen, the two servants who could keep her company. How could she not feel lonely and suffocated?

Of course, all of that was Old Lady Zhen’s own feeling.

From Madam Pei’s perspective, the old lady enjoyed delicious food, comfortable clothing, servants waiting on her hand and foot, complete freedom to do as she pleased, and regular visits from her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren paying their respects.

Considering Old Lady Zhen’s behavior in years past, Madam Pei believed she was already living an exceptionally comfortable life.

Even Father Zhen could find little fault with it.

He knew full well about the long-standing grievances between his mother and his wife. Seeing that his wife neither mistreated his mother nor neglected proper etiquette, and even brought the children to pay their respects regularly, he felt he couldn’t reasonably ask for more. Otherwise, the household would only descend into conflict again.

For precisely that reason, when Old Lady Zhen heard she would be able to go out and relax, she was genuinely delighted.

Holding Zhen Tingyun’s hands, she asked several questions before lightly scolding her granddaughter with a smile. “Silly girl! Why didn’t you tell me about something this wonderful sooner? If I’d known earlier, I wouldn’t have been lying here waiting for bed. Now you’ve gotten me so excited that I won’t be able to sleep at all!”

As she spoke, she actually abandoned all thoughts of going to bed. Full of excitement, she immediately got up, intending to pack everything the grandmother and granddaughter would need for their stay at the estate.

Zhen Tingyun quickly stopped her. “It’s only our own estate. We’re just staying for a few days to relax. They should have everything we need there… Oh, right, we do need to bring Malantou.”

Mentioning Malantou inevitably reminded Zhen Tingyun of Yuanhui.

She thought to herself, Tomorrow I might be able to make a small detour to see Yuanhui. If he happens to be staying at the Western Hill Villa, perhaps I can ask him for some advice about horseback riding and archery…

Old Lady Zhen had long since forgotten all about Yuanhui. Instead, she continued chatting enthusiastically about the estate. “Silly child. Even if you’re only going there to relax, you can’t afford to have no sense at all. Your mother already said before that this estate will belong to you one day. Since we’re going this time, we should take a proper look around and start making plans. I’ve heard estates outside the capital bring in quite a handsome income every year.”

Back then, Madam Pei had made that promise right here in Old Lady Zhen’s courtyard. Caught up in the moment, she had blurted out, “If you can get into the Women’s Academy, what’s one estate worth?”

Old Lady Zhen had remembered those words perfectly ever since.

Deep down, she had already begun thinking of the estate as belonging to her granddaughter, and by extension, almost as her own. Naturally, she was already making earnest plans for its future.

Truthfully, Zhen Tingyun herself wasn’t especially confident about passing the Women’s Academy examination.

But seeing Old Lady Zhen’s excitement, she steeled herself and painted a rosy picture instead. “Don’t worry, Grandmother. Once I get into the Women’s Academy and Mother gives me the estate, we’ll be able to go there whenever we like.”

“That’s exactly the way to think about it.” Old Lady Zhen affectionately stroked her granddaughter’s head. Seeing that it was already quite late, and that both of them would be leaving for the estate the next day, she simply had Zhen Tingyun stay the night in her own courtyard.

That night, the grandmother and granddaughter naturally chatted for a long time, whispering away about all sorts of private matters. It was well past midnight before they finally drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, Zhen Yiyun learned that the large carriage Madam Pei had originally promised her was no longer available.

She was so furious she nearly exploded on the spot. At once, she recalled Zhen Tingyun’s visit to the main courtyard the previous evening.

So that’s what it was!

She had thought Zhen Tingyun had impatiently gone to ask for gifts. Who would have imagined she’d actually gone to complain about her, and to steal her carriage!

Still, the Little County Princess’s poetry society tea gathering was far too important.

Though seething with anger, Zhen Yiyun forced herself to suppress it. Turning to Madam Pei, she spoke in a spoiled, coquettish tone. “Mother, didn’t you promise that the large carriage would be mine this time? If I arrive like this, won’t the Little County Princess and the others think poorly of me?”

Although Madam Pei had complained to Father Zhen the previous night, a decision the couple had made together naturally wouldn’t be changed so easily. She simply explained, “Your grandmother and your second sister are going to stay at the country estate for a few days. Your father feels that your grandmother is elderly and in frail health, so she ought to travel in the steadier carriage.”

Tilting her head, Zhen Yiyun muttered softly, “They could go to the estate any time. Why did it have to be now?”

They were deliberately making things difficult for her! Besides, that estate had originally been promised to her.

Madam Pei glared at her. “What? You may attend a banquet, but your grandmother and your second sister aren’t even allowed to visit the estate?”

“That’s not what I meant.” Zhen Yiyun wanted to argue further, but when she met Madam Pei’s stern gaze, she had no choice but to nod reluctantly. “All right. I understand.”

Seeing her daughter give in, Madam Pei repeated Father Zhen’s earlier reasoning to comfort her. “Since the Little County Princess sincerely invited you, she certainly won’t concern herself over something as trivial as a carriage. Don’t overthink it.”

Zhen Yiyun knew perfectly well that once Madam Pei had made up her mind, nothing could change it. She obediently agreed outwardly, but inwardly resentment boiled over. Among all the guests at today’s gathering, her status was already the lowest. She couldn’t possibly afford to be inferior in every respect as well. If that happened, how could the Little County Princess ever think highly of her? How could she possibly introduce her to Yan Wang Shizi?

The more Zhen Yiyun thought about it, the angrier she became. The confidence and satisfaction she’d felt the night before disappeared completely. Grinding her teeth, she became more convinced than ever that Zhen Tingyun was her nemesis. Otherwise, why insist on visiting the estate today of all days? Why insist on taking the carriage that had already been promised to her?

Unfortunately, she was standing before Madam Pei, who had already made her decision. And given all the incidents she’d caused before, she could only force a smile and continue playing the role of the considerate elder sister.

Of course, making a few subtle remarks was still well within her abilities.

After a brief pause, she smiled again and casually changed the subject. “Mother, since they’re going to the estate, aren’t you going along to have a look as well?”

Those words struck Madam Pei right where it hurt. Although she knew taking Grandmother along reflected filial piety, didn’t it also mean her own daughter had left her, her own mother, behind? She had only felt slightly uncomfortable before, but after her eldest daughter’s reminder, she couldn’t help thinking that her younger daughter’s behavior really had been somewhat inconsiderate.

Even so, she merely replied, “There are so many matters to attend to at home. Someone has to stay.”

Seeing that her words had indeed affected Madam Pei, Zhen Yiyun happily took her mother’s hand and chatted about various trivial matters until it was nearly time to leave. Only then did she rise with her maid. Before departing, she deliberately added, “Mother, wait for me to come back tonight so we can have dinner together.”

Hearing those words, Madam Pei felt deeply comforted. Smiling, she answered, “Just enjoy yourself. There’s no need to rush home.”

While Zhen Yiyun had risen early only to spend the morning nursing her grievances and talking endlessly with Madam Pei, Zhen Tingyun and Old Lady Zhen both slept in.

Naturally, that was because the two of them had stayed up chatting happily the previous night. Since they had gone to bed late, they woke up late as well. Besides, sleeping in was sometimes good for one’s health. For someone like Zhen Tingyun, who usually rose early every morning to practice calligraphy, or someone like Old Lady Zhen, who rarely slept much at her age, the extra rest left them both in remarkably good spirits.

After washing and getting dressed, grandmother and granddaughter soon sat opposite one another while breakfast was served.

Having lived together for well over a decade, their tastes were strikingly similar. Plain rice porridge with simple side dishes.

Now that it was March, the breakfast table had gradually become more abundant. Fresh spring bamboo shoots were especially tender this season. Cooked into a light dish, they paired perfectly with steaming white porridge.

Old Lady Zhen took a sip of the hot porridge, and the warmth settling into her stomach immediately lifted her mood.

Chatting casually with her granddaughter, she asked, “Your father had to leave early for court, that’s understandable. But why did your eldest sister head out so early as well?”

Even if she had arranged to meet friends, there was surely no need to leave at daybreak.

Holding her own bowl of porridge, Zhen Tingyun replied casually, “The earlier she arrives, the earlier she’ll get there. Maybe she’ll have more time to chat with the hostess.”

She guessed that, given Zhen Yiyun’s current status, she’d naturally want to curry favor with the Little County Princess. Arriving early would probably give her a chance to flatter her.

Old Lady Zhen had never thought particularly highly of Zhen Yiyun anyway. After only a couple more comments, she changed the subject. “Never mind her. Eat quickly. As soon as we’re done, we’ll head to the estate.”

With that, both grandmother and granddaughter found their appetites greatly improved. Before long, they had finished every bite of breakfast.

Bringing along Liushun, Bazhen, and the two young maids Pinglan and Qiusi, they boarded the carriage that had already been prepared and set off for the country estate.

When the eldest daughter had departed earlier, she’d thoughtfully said, “Mother, wait for me to come back tonight so we can have dinner together.”

But when it came to the younger daughter, it was only Old Lady Zhen who carried herself with authority and announced, “Madam Pei, we’ll leave the household affairs to you. Second Girl and I are heading out now.”

Even hearing those words made Madam Pei uncomfortable. Suppressing her irritation, she saw them off before returning to her room and opening the household account books.

As she flipped through the pages, she couldn’t help sighing again. Children truly were closest to the person who had raised them. Her eldest daughter, Yiyun, was still all right. But her younger daughter, Zhen Tingyun… That girl was devoted only to her grandmother.

While Madam Pei sat at home feeling dejected, Old Lady Zhen was already lecturing her granddaughter inside the carriage. “You’re usually so quick with your tongue. Why is it that when it actually matters, you can’t bring yourself to say a few nice words?”

Lowering her head, Zhen Tingyun absentmindedly fiddled with the tassel hanging from her sash and feigned innocence. “Grandmother, what are you talking about?”

Old Lady Zhen was nearly driven to despair by her granddaughter. She reached out and poked Zhen Tingyun’s forehead. “Still pretending to be clueless? I know your mother better than anyone. She’s competitive, proud, and loves saving face. More than anything, she likes hearing pleasant words. What’s wrong with saying a few nice things to cheer up your own mother? Yet you’re as stubborn as a mule, no matter how hard someone hits you with a stick, they can’t squeeze a single sweet word out of you! Your mother’s face turned completely black.”

Zhen Tingyun had no choice but to go over and cling to her grandmother’s arm, saying coquettishly, “I was only afraid Grandmother would get jealous.”

Old Lady Zhen snorted. “Jealous, my foot!”

Unable to hold back, she let out a rough curse. Then her voice lowered as she patiently explained to her granddaughter, “It’s only because I’m the mother-in-law that I can put on airs. I rely on my son for support, so I don’t have to watch my daughter-in-law’s expression. On the other hand, no matter how unwilling she may feel inside, she still has to put on the appearance of being filial.” She paused before continuing earnestly. “But you’re different. You’re the daughter. Putting everything else aside, if you aren’t filial, people outside will gossip about you.”

By this point, Old Lady Zhen, who had spent most of her life refusing to yield or admit defeat, couldn’t help letting out a sigh. Somewhat awkwardly, she turned her gaze toward the carriage window and spoke more softly. “Besides, you’re all grown up now. I’m old and no longer of much use. When it comes time to arrange your marriage, it’ll all have to be your mother who steps forward. Whether she truly cares for you or not makes a world of difference.”

Looking back at her granddaughter, she added quietly, “For a girl, getting married is like being born all over again. You can’t let other matters get in the way of that.”

Hearing those words, Zhen Tingyun felt both warmth and sorrow welling up inside her. Her eyes stung slightly. She lowered her head to hide it, nodded, and answered vaguely, “Don’t worry, Grandmother. I know what I’m doing.”

Old Lady Zhen didn’t press the matter any further.

It had been a long time since she’d gone out, so she lifted the carriage curtain and gazed happily at the scenery outside. The more she looked, the brighter her smile became.

As she admired the passing landscape, she casually asked Zhen Tingyun about the estate. 

“How many acres does it have?”

“What crops are planted there?”

“Do they keep chickens and ducks?”

“How’s the harvest?”

“Is there any uncultivated land left?”

And so on.

In truth, they’d already talked about all of this the night before. Old Lady Zhen simply couldn’t resist asking again.

Although life in the Zhen household was already one of comfort, meals served to her and clothes ready at hand, sitting in the carriage, looking out over the countryside while breathing in the fresh fragrance of grass and trees, she couldn’t help but wear a relaxed smile.

She felt lighter than she had in a long time.

Zhen Tingyun was in unusually good spirits as well, leaning beside her grandmother while watching the scenery pass.

It was already March. The countryside outside the capital seemed intoxicated by spring itself. Fresh green leaves covered the branches, winter jasmine bloomed everywhere, and lush emerald colors had long chased away the bleak dullness of winter. Even the breeze drifting through the carriage window felt warm and gentle, carrying with it the softness of willow catkins and the songs of orioles and other spring birds.

Zhen Tingyun couldn’t help thinking,

There must be all sorts of wild vegetables growing around the estate now.

I could pick some and bring them to Yuanhui.

I wonder if he’d accept them…

…

After letting her thoughts wander aimlessly, the carriage arrived smoothly at the estate.

***

The Zhen family’s estate wasn’t nearly as large as one might imagine. It consisted of only about twenty acres of farmland. In the middle was a small pond, less than half an acre in size, just enough for raising fish and shrimp. Beside the pond stood several simple farmhouses where people could stay. They were plain and unadorned, full of the rustic charm of country life.

Though small, the place had everything one might need.

For the Zhen family, however, even such a modest estate was an extremely valuable possession. Otherwise, Zhen Yiyun wouldn’t have set her sights so firmly on it, already regarding it as part of her future dowry.

Since they arrived around noon, Zhen Tingyun and Old Lady Zhen simply had lunch at the estate.

The estate steward was an intelligent man. Hearing that the family’s old matriarch had brought her granddaughter to relax for a few days, he naturally put considerable thought into preparing the meal, making use of whatever ingredients were freshest on the estate. He served several excellent dishes: Grilled fresh fish, Mustard greens dressed in hot oil, Chinese cabbage and tofu soup, Fluffy egg pancakes filled with shredded bamboo shoots and mushrooms and Steamed rice with preserved pork.

None of the dishes were especially extravagant. Almost everything had come directly from the estate itself.

The fish had just been caught from the pond. The mustard greens and cabbage had been picked fresh from the fields. Even the eggs were still warm from being gathered that very morning.

The appeal lay not in luxury, but in the freshness of the ingredients, which made every dish wonderfully flavorful.

Old Lady Zhen especially loved the preserved pork rice. Looking at the slices of preserved pork resting atop the white rice, beautifully marbled with lean and fat, and then at the glossy rice beneath, she took a deep breath. The aroma alone made her swallow unconsciously.

Zhen Tingyun immediately became vigilant. “You really shouldn’t eat too much greasy food. As for the preserved pork… at most, you’re only allowed one slice!”

Old Lady Zhen clicked her tongue. “We’ve finally come out for once, and you’re already spoiling the mood.”

Zhen Tingyun snorted. “One slice is already generous! Who knows how much oil is already soaked into the rice?”

“Fine, fine. One slice, then.” Afraid that if her granddaughter kept talking she’d end up forbidding her from eating it altogether, Old Lady Zhen waved her hand. “You really are troublesome.”

As they spoke, Zhen Tingyun had already picked up a glistening slice of preserved pork with her chopsticks and placed it into her grandmother’s bowl.

Only then was Old Lady Zhen satisfied, leisurely savoring her single slice.

Across the table, however, Zhen Tingyun was eating slice after slice herself, occasionally following each bite with some mustard greens or cabbage tofu soup to cut through the richness. The preserved pork was simply too delicious.

Old Lady Zhen couldn’t help glaring at her.

She only gave her own grandmother one slice, yet she herself was eating with such gusto!

Naturally, Zhen Tingyun noticed her grandmother’s stare.

Without the slightest hint of embarrassment, she blinked innocently. “I’ve been getting up before dawn and staying up late every day studying and practicing calligraphy. I’ve gotten so much thinner. I have to eat more to make up for it!”

Old Lady Zhen: “!!!”

Zhen Tingyun shamelessly added, “Besides, I never gain weight anyway. What’s wrong with eating a little more?”

Old Lady Zhen very nearly reached over and smacked her granddaughter on the head with her chopsticks.

Laughing and chatting all the while, grandmother and granddaughter eventually finished lunch. Instead of going riding afterward, Zhen Tingyun headed toward the kitchen.

Originally, she’d planned to bring Malantou with her, go riding, and practice horseback riding and archery. But after spending so many days buried in books and calligraphy practice at home, simply leaving the house had already lifted much of the heaviness from her heart. At the moment, she couldn’t summon much enthusiasm for training. She only wanted to relax.

So she used the fresh mustard greens the steward had just picked to make a batch of dumplings stuffed with mustard greens by hand.

After packing the dumplings into a food box, she carried it over to Old Lady Zhen and said, “Since we’ve finally come out for once, I made some mustard green dumplings while the vegetables are in season. I’ll stop by and bring some to Teacher so he can enjoy something fresh. If you’d like some too, Grandmother, just have someone boil the rest later, they’ll make a nice afternoon snack.”

Old Lady Zhen had originally assumed that once Yuanhui left, he had left for good. It was only during their last meeting that she learned he was still living in a villa near the capital.

Thinking of the purple jade xiao Yuanhui had given Zhen Tingyun before, she had no intention of stopping her granddaughter. She merely remarked, “Does your teacher really lack a few dumplings? Is it worth making a special trip just for that?”

Zhen Tingyun replied casually, “It’s the thought that counts. Besides, I don’t even know whether he’ll be at the villa today. I’m only dropping them off since it’s on the way.”

Old Lady Zhen remembered that Yuanhui had casually gifted her granddaughter something as valuable as a purple jade xiao. It was only natural for a student to show a little extra attentiveness toward such a teacher.

With a wave of her hand, she sent her granddaughter on her way.

Once aboard the carriage, Zhen Tingyun thought for a moment before deciding to bring Malantou along as well.

Yuanhui’s villa was close to Western Hill. If he happened to be there today, perhaps she could accompany him into the mountains and practice horseback riding and archery. She had heard there was plenty of game in the mountains as well…

The more she thought about it, the more she hoped Yuanhui would be at the Western Hill villa.

As it happened, fate was on her side. Fu Changxi had indeed come to the Western Hill villa that very day.

Ever since returning to the capital, he had scarcely had a moment to himself. He had been busy recovering memories of the past. Busy rebuilding his relationship with the young emperor. Busy dealing with Empress Dowager Zheng in the palace and the crafty old foxes of the Grand Secretariat. Busy attending to state affairs.

Only in the past few days had his schedule eased somewhat.

Yet, for reasons unknown, several Princesses seemed to have coordinated among themselves. One after another, they took turns visiting the Manor to speak with him.

Some wept while reminiscing about Imperial Noble Consort Wu.

Some cheerfully recounted amusing stories about their children and grandchildren.

Others brought lively, beautiful young ladies along.

No matter the approach, however, their underlying message was always the same: 

They urged him to marry as soon as possible.

Fu Changxi found dealing with them utterly exhausting. Unfortunately, by seniority they were all his aunts, so he couldn’t very well treat them discourteously. He could only endure their visits with proper respect. That day, finally finding himself free, he simply slipped out of the city early to avoid everyone and came straight to the Western Hill villa.

There he was, quietly enjoying a rare half-day of peace, sitting alone adjusting the strings of his guqin, when someone arrived outside to report, “Your Highness, Miss Zhen has arrived.”

Hearing the announcement, Fu Changxi raised an eyebrow ever so slightly before nodding. “Let her come in.”

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